Fashion Scoop or Scoops..Sundaes & Cones

These days everywhere you turn there is a new Pinkberry and Red Mango duking it out for your frozen treat attention.   (look for the link to a post I wrote about PinkB in LA last year).  While the design of both those chain stores is cute - I have another option that gives you just that - OPTIONS.    Welcome to Sundaes and Cones  on 10th street between 3rd and 4th Avenue ( yes one does exist all you uptowners!).     The minute you step inside this little ice cream shop you can't help but smile.   The simple and sweet decorations evoke feelings of an old fashioned soda shop.   The place feels like it has been there for decades, serving generations of kids of all ages.

The flavors however are anything but old fashioned - at least by American Standards.   The Japanese influence is all over the menu.   Atypical tastes like Sweet Corn, Taro Root, Red Bean, and Green Tea are all worth trying.   Of course there are old standards like Rocky Road and Mint-Chocolate Chip!   Be adventurous and try something you haven't had before!  Especially since the staff is super friendly and gives sample tastes of flavors with a smile!  

** The shop also makes beautiful ice cream cakes that would make any dinner party crowd so happy you are on the guest list!  (be sure to order ahead). 

And for all of you that watch the gossip blogs - Yes that was little Suri Cruise and her famous dad posing outside this past weekend.   Seems like Tom likes the hard packed frozen treats as well!  I hope this doesn't mean the Scientology protesters are going to stake out the place!  Leave Zenu out of my guilty pleasure!! 

Fashion Rag Post

Sundaes and Cones

95 E 10th St

New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 979-9398

Balmain is Badass!

The French Fashion House of Balmain is one of those companies whose name precedes it.   Simply say the word Balmain - and your mind is filled with imagery.   You think -French Fashion, Femininity, Floral scents, the boutiques of Paris - all that and more.   Reputations like that are priceless in the world of fashion.   After all, some houses can tread for years on the images and advertising from seasons long off their runway.    

Considering all this, it is even more adventurous that the House of Balmain chose designer Christophe Decarnin as the new creative director when he debuted 2 years ago!  Especially when the legacy of Balmain was classic beauty - the last major designer to have creative control was Oscar de la Renta - who is as classic as you get. The house was fresh of recent ups and downs (including a bankruptcy) - so some thought they would play it safe.   Wisely, the powers that be realized that safe was nowhere when it comes to the big bad world of globalization.   You must make a statement and make it NOW.  

Decarnin did all that and more.   Season after season he has rocked the runway and brought a sense of raw sexuality that is rarely seen on the Paris shows.    Some have even compared his looks to the East Village of NYC.    To be clear - there is no comparison, the quality and level of sophistication at Balmain are impeccable.   The Balmain show has quickly become known to be one of the hottest in the season and a very chic house is now as hot as they come with the ever powerful fashion editors.   They are now seen each season sitting front in center in key Balmain pieces.   Pledging  allegiance to a future leader of the fashion world.  These fall looks are in stores now.

Horsing around in TRIBECA

I spent the afternoon in TRIBECA on Friday.   For those of you outside NYC, thats the TRIangle BElow CAnal street. The neighborhood is a haven for upscale, laid back New Yorkers.   I expected to see some stylish people and I wanted to hit a few favorite spots to shop (look for that post soon).    I did come across a very stylish guy that I just had to stop and put on film - or should I say digitize! 

This is Charlie, he is a member of New York's finest.   I caught up with Charlie at the NYPD stables...(I promised not to give his exact address).   I had to take notice of his very stylish socks (click here for official NYPD merch.) and as I have reported - its all about gold accessories - take a look at that gold heart choker- love it!!  I must say - not a hair was out of place either - wow.. this guy is sharp from head to toe!  Charlie was a bit aloof at first, then shy.  He couldn't help but agree with me when I complimented him, and I actually think he was sorry to see me go.  Looking good Charlie!

LEFFOT PUTS BEST FOOT FORWARD

Unless you wear Puma and Nike all the time - there is little to get excited about in the world of Men's shoe stores.    Of course most of us have a few pairs of each of those brands, however there is more to life than cross training and running shoes - at least there should be more in your wardrobe.   This is what makes the arrival of a new Men's shoes store on Christopher Street such a treat.  Leffot is a store dedicated to really beautiful  shoes.    If you know designer fashion, you will know some of the brands -but there might be a few your haven't seen in person.   I should mention though, maybe the best thing about this store is the precise merchandising and focus that is on display.   

 
 Owner and Buyer, Steven Taffel has used the precision of a surgeon in his choices for each coveted spot on the selling floor.   There is no chance for the sensory overload that many of us frequently experience in one of the large uptown boutiques.  Only Seven brands made the cut -  Artioli, Aubercy, Church's, Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, J.M. Weston, and Pierre Corthay.  Leffot is a beautiful space where you can calmly  admire, and really look at the shoes you are investing in.   They are an investment after all, with price points on the average of $600.  If the price sounds high - once you pick up one of these artisanal crafted shoes - you understand the hours of work that go into every handmade pair.    This location is also a nice alternative to the uptown experience.    

This corner of Christopher has become a little luxury destination.   Directly across the street from upscale fragrance and candle gem - Aedes de Venustas  on one side and facing Lucien Pellat Finet  (known for the most unique cashmere creations )- the location couldn't  get much better.    

What a pleasure to be able to shop downtown for those who don't have an office on Madison Avenue - or a nice thing to do after work when you have come home, removed the suit, and become yourself again! 

Attention Ladies , you now have the perfect spot to shop for the man in your life. (then you can run across the street and treat yourself to little scent for yourself!).  Hop on down to Leffot soon! 

Check the website for trunk show schedule.

LEFFOT  10 Christopher Street  212 -989- 4577